I love LOVE Autumn. It makes journeys prettier, hot drinks a necessity and a scarf so so cosy. The best thing about being a blogger during Autumn is seeing all the wonderful updates via social media. Pinterest is aglow with burnt oranges and reds, I can’t blink for pumpkin patch pictures and it’s all so great to see everyone trying to win the prize for best Halloween costume! Above, are just a few of the pictures from the past month- but Winter is definitely coming!

Speaking of Autumn, a different Autumn has captured my attention on Twitter. Chronically Chill aka @autumnjduncan has a sharp wit & a fab sense of humour. From one chronically ill lady to another- BRAVO!

 

I want Michelle Obama to be President. Being from the UK, a lot of the politics across the pond is lost on me as their campaign videos are live during the hours when I’m (usually) sleeping. But this woman’s strength, drive & compassion for American people is not lost on this Brit. I have watched her speech about 4 times now and she gets me every time. What a speech?! Mrs Obama knows how to reach the crowd and hits the nail on the head with every syllable. Some of her speech, I could even use to describe some of my experiences with chronic illness.

 

Click to watch the First Lady in action

Next…

Megs, who writes the blog ‘Wonderful You’, has written a new blog post. Now, the reason this post is in my October Favourites, is that it is written so honestly and sparing no emotion, there was no way I could NOT include it in this segment. Her post, entitled ‘At the Bottom’, tells of her struggles with low mood and a lack of positivity. Her words are beautifully written and Megs has confessed her experience shortly after World Mental Health Day, Monday 10th October 2016. She has inspired people everywhere to dig deep and take a hard look at their emotions; to realise that admitting this struggle is not a sign of weakness. Since reading this and other articles linked to WMHD, I have been able acknowledge my own failings when it comes to anxiety, stress and self-doubt. Please, do not ignore this important recognition. Visit Wonderful You now.

 

I am loving Essential Oils lately. I have been having a tough time getting to sleep. I suspect that this has a lot to do with my poor emotional state at the minute. However, I have been determined to find a natural sleep-aid. After speaking with a couple of my Endosisters on Twitter, I decided to invest in an oil burner and some essential oils. I started with Rose Geranium as a family friend of mine used to burn it in her hallway, it was so welcoming and uplifting when I went to visit. I have also ordered Lavender as I have found that Lavender pillow sprays have been very good for instantly calming me, but they don’t tend to last more than 10 minutes or so. I’m going to try a few more & will be writing a review in the coming months. Stay tuned!

 

Now, as you have probably guessed, I am an Instagram enthusiast. Beyond Pinterest, Insta is my next favourite social media platform. I follow some amazing people, from all over the world, seemingly leading extraordinary lives. But out of them all, my October Favourites are: InspiredtoWrite (Amie) and theyellowhairedgirl.

Amie is a writer whose flat-lays and workspace photos are epic. They spur me into action, with a swift kick, falling out of procrastination mode. She updates every day and it’s always different. She inspires, motivates and her photos are a joy to see.

 

Theyellowhairedgirl is mentioned in this week’s Grazia UK magazine, so the praise for this recommendation should be theirs. Her posts are funny and individual, which every woman can relate to. Excellent work! Thanks, Grazia.

 

Last on my list this month is from my beauty best-buys. Barry M’s Nail Paint in Masquerade and in Twinkle Twinkle is all the glitter ‘N’ gold you’ll need before the Christmas countdown.

Masquerade is coloured glitter polish with hues of pink, blue and gold. I used this atop my favourite black nail polish (Maybelline’s Color Show in 677 Blackout) and was so happy with the result. It lasted a good week and I got lots of compliments (it seemed to make my nails, or the fact I had some, more noticeable!)

Twinkle Twinkle is a beautifully soft gold polish, almost rose gold. Covers the nail with just one coat, and doesn’t take forever to dry. I love the subtlety of this shade, and how feminine it makes me feel. Less is more with this Nail Paint. However, this Barry M colour is a Limited Edition at Superdrug, so get it while you can! I’ll be going back to stock up!